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For the second year in a row SUP enthusiasts -from beginners to experts - will gather for a day of paddling, music and camaraderie along the banks of the Colorado River. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest growing sport on the planet and the headwaters of the Colorado River, just 45 minutes from Vail provides the perfect place for beginners to learn the sport and for paddle enthusiasts to get their thrill on.

The What SUP gathering is an all-ages family event that affordably gets newcomers on the river to experience walking on water. The day features discounted clinics and tours, plus free demos. Clinics take place in the gentle currents beside the Stand Up Paddle Colorado (SUPCO) dome, last about 45 minutes and focus on basic techniques from paddling to stances to understanding river dynamics.

Tours depart from the SUPCO dome and head 4-and-a-half miles down river to State Bridge. Certified guides will lead the way down the river, through gentle whitewater to exciting class II rapids, while giving personal instruction.

SUPsquatch, the biggest stand up paddleboard on the Colorado River, will be available for guided tours and is great for the entire family. This six-person river craft challenges your balance and gets you right into the white water, providing an experience only a handful of people have enjoyed.

"We really love introducing people to the sport we are so passionate about," said Scotty Stougton of SUPCO. "All day river activities followed by yoga and sunset acoustic music is the perfect day for us at SUPCO and we really want to share the experience; we want to say thank you for a great first year on the river."

The day is rounded out by acoustic music around the fire at the SUPCO dome led by Bridge Law (of Elephant Revival) plus members for Bonfire Dub and anyone else that wants to join in.

"We took Elephant Revival out on the water a few weeks ago and they were just thrilled," Stoughton said. "The group got off the SUPsquatch and pretty much walked on stage to deliver a river-inspired set."

The day rounds out with the Rocky Mountain Grateful Dead Revue featuring Rob Eaton of the Dark Star Orchestra at State Bridge.